Display unit



Sept.'l 28, 1937. w. scHLAEPFl-:R

DISPLAY UNIT Filed May 8, 1935 v Ul Patented Sept. 28, 1937 f UNITED sTATEs PATENT OFFICE 22 Claims.

My invention relates to improvements in a display unit in which an article for sale is displayed in an air tight space; and the objects of my improvements are, first, to provide a display unit in which a sample of the goods is presented to view while retained in a hermetically sealed space; second, to provide a display unit that will present the appearance of a roll or package unit of the goods and at the same time necessitate the use only of a relatively small portion of said roll or package unit of the goods; third, to provide a display unit having minimum weight; fourth, to provide a display unit having a hermetically sealed space provided with a Vtransparent wall portion; fth, to provide a display unit having the sample or goods retained in one of its ends or side and provided with counterbalancing means for stabilizing purposes; sixth, to provide a hollow display unit with counterbalancing means; seventh, to provide a display unit that will protect the article or goods displayed from deterioration, contamination, and that will preserve the original color and appearance of the article or goods; eighth, to provide a display unit having an air tight container presenting wall portions constructed. of glass or similar material forV contacting the article or goods; ninth, to provide aY new and ecient process for preserving the article or goods displayed ina display unit.; tenth, to provide new and efficient compositions of materials for preparing the portions of the display unit for containing the article or goods to render said portions more eflicient in preserving the article or goods; and eleventh, to provide new and efficient compositions for sealing the enclosure portion of a` display unit which contains the article or goods to be displayed.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts through-v out the several views.

I attain these objects by mechanism illustrated inthe accompanying drawing, inwhich- Figure l is an endview of the display unitvwithout its outer covering; Fig. 2, a View of the opposite end of the display unit; Fig. 3, a sectional view of the display unit taken on the line 3-3, Fig. 1 Fig. 4, a sectional view of one of the endl closure members before assembly with the cylindrical body of the display unit, said sectional View being taken on the line 3-3, Fig. l; Fig. 5, a sectional view of the display unit taken on the line 5-5, Fig. 3; and Fig. 6, a partial sectional View of the display unit taken on the longitudinal center of the display unit, vsaid sectional View being drawn to a larger scale than that ci. the other' figures.

In the sale of meats such as sausages, hams, bologna, and similar meat products as well as candies and similar products, it is necessary for a salesman to transport and carry a considerable number of samples for display purposes to pros- I 5 pective customers and where a` considerable number of different articles of this kind are carried the equipment of the salesman is very bulky and heavy.

. Also in the case of the above mentioned meat 1.0 products it is necessary for the salesman to carry a roll or package of considerable size of the meat product and in order for this to always appear fresh the samples must be replaced regularly every few days in order for the samples to present vl5 a fresh appearance, and in order for said samples to retain their best appearance. Also this is necessary to avoid displaying meat or similar products which have deteriorated and spoiled. This is especially true where such products are transported and sold in hot climates.

' With my invention as hereinafter disclosed the salesman will necessarily only have to transport relatively small slices or pieces of meat products and similar amounts of other products used in 2 my invention and such samples will always be maintained in a fresh condition and with itsvoriginal appearance and at the same time a great deal of the bulk and weight is eliminated fromthe sample and from the display cartons or units.

My displayunit assembly A is of tubular or hollow construction and ispreferably constructed by utilizing a tube orftubular member I constructed of paper, paste-board or similar material, and in which is mounted and secured a second tube or tubular member 2, the tubular members I and 2 being secured together with glue, paste, or similar material.

The tubular member I will be slightly longer 40 at each of its ends than the length of the tubular member 2 so as to provide the countersunk or shouldered portion or recess 3 at each end of the tubular member I when assembled with the tubular member 2.

The cup or tray 4 is preferably constructed of glass or similar transparent material and is provided with the side wall portion 5 which extends cylindrically around the bottom or base of the cup member 4, the inside surface 6 of the cup 4 50 being tapered or inclined inwardly and downwardly from the open end of the wall portion 5 to the bottom portion of the cup 4. Y The cylindrical wall portion 5 is inserted and fits within the shouldered portion 3 at one end of the display 55 unit assembly A, the inner end of the wallportion 5 at the open side of the cup 4 abutting against one end of the tubular member 2.

The cup 4 will be provided with the radius 'l on its outside corner to provide a smooth appearance and to avoid chipping or breaking at this point.

Also if desired the cup 4 may be provided With the radius 8 on its inside surface to further strengthen the cupV 4 and to avoid breaking or chipping.

Figures 2, 3, and 5 disclose my display unit assembly A as being utilized to display a slice or piece of meat 9 which is placed within the openY side of the cup 4. The cover or insert I0 is p-referably constructed of glass or similar material having transparent or translucent characteristics, the cover I ll having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter at the small end of the inclined surface 5 where it joins the bottom of the cup 4, the'cover l5 being placed downwardly in the cup 4 to snugly contact the slice of meat 9 and being hermetically sealed in its assembled position by the sealing materials II, 2l and 29 thus providing an air tight or hermetically sealed space I2 within the cup 4. Y

It is now to be noted that the display unit assembly A is closed at one of its ends and to close its other end I use the end cover assembly B which comprises the disc or cover member I3 which may be constructed of paper, pasteboard or similar material of such strength and section to support the counterweight assembly C. The cover member I3 is inserted within and ts the shouldered portion or recess 3 with its inner side abutting one end of the tubular member 2, the cover member 3 being suitably secured to the tubular members I and 2 by glue, paste, or similar material.

'Ihe box or receptacle I4 is located substantially centrally on the cover member I3 and is secured to the cover member I3 by the clips I5 which may be constructed of suitable material such as mild steel; spring wire or similar material, the clips I5 extending through the cover member I3 and the inside or bottom Wall portion IB of the box I4, the inner ends of the clips I5 being bent over as at I'IV to secure and attach the box or receptacle I4 to the cover member I3.

The chamber i8 of the box or receptacle I4 is thus secured rigidly and then filled with sand, gravel, shot or similar material 20 to provide necessary mass and weight for counterbalancing purposes after the cover member I9 is placed over the open end of the box or receptacle I4 to close the chamber I8 and to retain the sand, gravel, shot or similar material 20 in the box I4, the cover I9 having its side wall portions 2I secured to the side wall portions of the box I4 by glue, paste, or similar material.

It is to be understood that vthe display unit assembly A may be constructed with either a round or cylindrical section as disclosed or it may be made square or of any desired polygonal shape to best suit the needs of the article which is to be displayed, and to provide the desired shape of display unit assembly.

The display unit assembly A will thus be provided with a hollow construction as shown by the hollow chamber or recess 22 therein, the diameter and length or other dimensions of the unit assembly A being of the necessary dimensions to simulate a roll, package, or piece of meat or similar product, the display unit assembly A thus being of the appearance of a package containing a roll of meat or similar product of the usual and conventional size in which such products are sold,my invention, however, providing that only a relatively small piece or slice of the meat 9 or similar product is actually necessary to provide this appearance and utility. Thus the unit assembly A is constructed of a conventional and usual size as to properly present a slice or piece of meat or similar product of the conventional size in which it is usually observed for samples and for prospective purchasers. Also to insure that the display unit assembly A may be handled when transported with the ease of a similar roll or piece of meat orV similar product, and to prevent any tendency for the unit display assembly A to be too easily or rollably moved unintentionally the counterweight C will provide a counterbalancing means for the weight of the parts located at the'opposite end of the display unit assembly A and which comprises the slice or piece of meat 9 together with its enclosure mechanism.

It is to benoted that the display unit assembly A such as I have disclosed will enable the slice or piece of meat `9 to'be observed in its original color characteristics as well as in its physical design characteristics in which certain portions of the meat are arranged relative to the remaining portions in predetermined designs for better appearance and for influence'upon prospective customers.

Figs. Zand 5 show such a slice of meat with its central portion` 23 having texture and color somewhat 'different than'the portion 24 which represents the lean portions of the meat adjacent fatty portions 25 of the slice of meat, the portions 24 and 25 being separated from the portions 23 by the ring 25 which may be of different color and texture Vthan the other portions of the slice to thus enhance and present better appearance and texture Yto best advantage. f

The above description has disclosed the various constructive features of the display unit assembly A but it is to be understood that in order to provide means in conjunction with the above mentioned parts, to enable the slice or piece of meat 9 or similar product to be maintained over long periods of time without deterioration `or fading I have found it necessary to prepare the `slice`of meat 9 Aor similar product by a special process and to seal the slice of meat 9 in its enclosure within the cup 4 by a special process utilizing certain compositions for the preparation and sealing operations and elements of the compositions and steps of the process or processes are now disclosed and set forth.

VWhere the slice of meat 9 is sausage, ham or Vsimilar meat product the slice 9 is first cut to substantially the exact size to iit the inside surface of the wall portion 5 of the cover member 4. After the meat or similar products haveV been sliced, the cup 4 andthe cover Il) are sterilized by washing and cleansing them in boiling water after which the cup- 4 and cover I il' are dried.r Y

An aspic or gelatinous composition isnow prepared as follows and substantially of the stated proportions:

Water 75%, iine salt 'l1/2% and powdered gelatine Til/2% are mixed together and the solution is then heated to a boiling temperature and stirred to prevent lumps therein.

Then to this solution is added a quantity of a color preserving and freshening solution or composition, the addition of the color freshening combined solution of the aspic and the color freshening agent. The color preserving'rfreshening agent is prepared byia mixture of the following ingredients and substantially in the stated proportions, namely:

Fine-Salt 21%,'sodium sulphate 2%, sulphate ofsoda 4% and water 73%.

The color preserving and freshening agent when added to the aspic solution will, due to the presence of theA sodium sulphate, stimulate the natural colors of the slice of meat 9 when soaked in the combined solution.

It isv to be noted that such meats` as sausages and ham and similar products that have been boiled or undergone similar cooking operations will be'soaked in the combined aspicand color preserving and freshening agent solution. However'when such meats or'similar products are displayed and sold in an uncooked or raw condition, such products will not be soaked in said combined solution because such uncooked meats usually contain a nitrate such as saltpeter which has been already added to accentuate and bring out red and similar colors in the meat, the addition Vofsuch nitrates not being feasible in meats or similar products which are to undergo boiling or similar cooking operations because said cookingA operations would deteriorate said nitrates and weaken and destroy the colors accentuated by saidnitrates. A

It is also tobe noted that whereas a conventional `aspic solution is a transparent solution containing suicient gelatine mass obtained by cooking meat or bones to render it of the consistency ofl a conventional salad dressing when in a cool state, the aspic solution of my invention is rendered suflicient for its purpose by the addition of the powdered or commercial gelatine to water and fine salt, the color preserving and freshening agent being further added to the aspic solution. Also when meat or similar products are soaked in or impregnated by the aspic and freshening agent solution, the meat will'not deteriorate or shrivel and will retain its fresh'appearance indenitely.

After the color preserving and freshening yagent has kbeen added to the aspic solution in substantially the above mentioned proportions'to form the combined solution whichwill hereinafter be referred to as the preparation'solution or come position, the next step is to place or immerse the slice 9 of meat or similar product in the preparation solution and in the preparation solution the slice is soaked for ten minutes. vAfter this the slice 9 of meat is then removed from the preparation solution and ldried as by placing between or by patting or rubbing with towels.

Next the cup 4 is placed in an upright position with lts open side upV and substantially seven drops of a solution, composed of 40% commercial formaldehyde and 60% water, isk placed on the bottom or inside surface of the cup- 4, the amount of seven drops being approximately that required for a cup having a diameter of three inches, said amount being proportionally increased` or decreased in accordance with the size of the cup, said solution being hereinafter referred to as the formaldehyde solution. Then pour into the cup a sufficient amount of the preparation solution to ll the bottom of the cup with a thin or shallow covering or depth, the formaldehyde and preparation solutions being next well mixed and stirred together as by means of the fingers or fingertips, said preparation and formaldehyde solutions then having substantially the following proportions: 98% preparation solution and 2% formaldehyde solution.

Next, place the slice 9 of meat in the open side of the cup 4, the slice 9 being laid in the combined solution formed by the preparation and formaldehyde solutions.

Then substantially seven drops more' of the formaldehyde solution is placed on the upper surface of the slice 9, said seven drops being used with a cup of approximately three inches in diameter andvincreased or decreased in accordance with larger or smaller sized cups, and then the slice 9 is covered with a sufficient amount of the preparation solution to form a thin or shallow depth or coating over the slice, after which the cover I0 is inserted within the open side of the cup 4 andl pressed gently down on the slice 9. Then a, relatively small weight or similar object is placed on the cover I0 to hold the cover Ill compressibly on the slice 9. The cover I9 and the slice 9 are left in this weighted condition for a period of vapproximately 10 hours after which the cup 4 and the cover I0 are cleaned of any surplus particles formed by the gelatinous or other in gredients.

Now the cup 4 and cover I0 together with the slice 9 and other contents such as the solutions are ready for the sealing or closing up operations.

The sealing material II is a specially prepared putty or putty material that is composed of the following ingredients in substantially the stated proportions, namely, plastic wood 5%, dammar 15%, benzol 6%, benzile 6%, and sealing wax 68%, the putty or sealing material II being placed around the corner between the upper or outer surface of the cover I0 and the inside surface of the wall portion 5 of the cup 4 as disclosed in Fig. 3, the putty I I lling, covering and sealing the joint between the edges of the cover I0 and the wall portion 5 to hermetically seal the slice 9 of meat or similar product in the airtight space I2.

The putty I I is now allowed to dry or set for a period of approximately 48 hours after which another layer 21 of putty is applied or laid over the layer I l of putty, the layer 21 now being allowed to dry or set for approximately 48 hours.

To eliminate any possible drying out of the putties II and 21 as by cracking or similar deterioration processes, and to prevent any air from penetrating to the space I2, in which is enclosed the slice 9, with resultant deterioration of the slice 9 -ofmeat 0r similar product and blurring of the transparency of the wall portion ofthe cup 4, I apply a layer 29 of sealing composition which protects the putties I I and 21 and maintains them unchanged and unharmed due to any changes in temperature and enables the putties` I I and 21 to act as airtight sealing agents indefinitely.

The sealing composition 29 is prepared by mixing the following ingredients and substantially in the stated proportions:

Linseed oil 15%, resin 2%, starch 1% and a special pigment 82%, said special pigment being formed by mixing the following ingredients in substantially the following proportions, namely 162/3 powdered chalk and barytes S11/3%.

After the above mentioned sealing and putty compositions have been applied, the cup 4 together withv the cover member I0 in its sealed position for enclosing the slice 9 therein is inserted in one of the'recesses 3 andY is secured therein by the use of dextrin applied to the outside surface of the wall portion 5 which contacts the inside surfaces of the recess 3.

To fully enclose the display unit A and to present a pleasing and iinished appearance,' I utilize the silver foil or paper 3b which is secured to the outside surfaces of the tubular member' l and the end cover assembly B, the open end of the silver foil 3! being secured to the outside surface of the cup i as indicatedrat 3i, the silver foil 30 being secured in its assembled position by dextrin.

It is to be understood that slices of cheese, candies, fruits and similar products may be enclosed and displayed by my invention in a manner similar to the slice s of meat as disclosed in the drawing.

In operation, the cup l together with the slice 9 of meat or similar product sealed therein is secured in a closure position in one endof the display unit assembly A and the end cover assembly B and the counterweight assembly C `are secured in a closure position in the opposite end of the display unit assembly A. The slice 9 VofV meat is readily displayed and seen through the transparent wall portion of the cup fl and is maintained in an air tight chamber without danger of deterioration, fading, or spoiling in any way.

The counterweight assembly C prevents any undue displaceability of the display unit assembly A which in turn presents a conventional size package or unit of the goods to be displayed together with a visual examination of the goods in its preferred color and appearance.

I claim: Y

l. In a display unit for a slice of meat or similar product, the combination of a tubular member, a second tubular member secured concentrically within and to said rst mentioned tubular member, said second tubular member having a lesser length than said rst mentioned tubular member to form a shouldered recess at each end of said rst mentioned tubular member, a cup member constructed of transparent material and having a closed end together with a cylindrical portion extending and secured within the shouldered recess at one end. of said first mentioned tubular member, said'cup member being adapted to receive the slice oi meat or similar product adjacent its closed end, a cover member in said cup memberand adjacent the slice of meat or similar product, a layer of putty for sealing said cover member in said cup member, a second layer of putty over said rst mentioned layer of putty, a sealing composition over said second layer` oi putty, a disc member secured in the shouldered recess at the opposite end of said rst mentioned tubular member, a box, clips for securing said box to said -disc member, a cover member secured to and closing said box, counterbalancing material in said boX, and tin foil secured to and covering said rst mentioned tubular member and the outside surface of said disc member, said tin foil being further secured to said cup member.

2. In a display unit for goods, the combination of a tubular housing, a sealed container for enclosing the goods and constructed of transparent material, said sealed container forming a relatively thin wall portion for closing one end of said tubular housing, said wall portion having double walls, a member closing the opposite end of said tubular housing, and counterbalancing means secured to said last mentioned member.

3. In a display unit for goods, the combination of a hollow housing, a sealed container enclosing the goods and having transparent characteristics, said sealed container forming a relatively thin double Vwall portion for closing one end of said hollow housing, anda counterbalancing assembly closing the other end of said hollow housmg. Y Y l 4.` In a display unit for goods, the combination of a hollow housing, a cup member in said hollow housing and containing the goods, said cup member being provided with a transparent Wall portion, said cup member being further provided with a transparent cylindrical Ywall portion extending telescopically into said housing, and means for counterbalancing the weight of said cup member and the goods to stabilize the dis-f playunit. Y Y

5. In a display unit for goods, the combination of a housing, transparent means mounted in said housing for containing a relativelysmall amount of the goods, said transparent-'means being provided with double walls forming an end vwall por tion of said housing, and means for counterbalancing the Weight of said transparent means and Ythe goods to stabilize the display unit.

6. In a display unit for goods, Vthe combination of a housing, a transparent cup memberV secured in said housing for containingth'e goods, a cover member for closing said cup member, sealing means secured between said cover and said cup members, and stabilizing means secured -in said housing to offset the weight of said cup and'cover members'together with the goods.

' 7.- In a display unit for goods, the combination of a transparent cup member for oontainingthe goods, a cover memberin said transparent cup member, a plurality of layers of sealing material secured between said cup member and said cover member to hermetically seal said goods Ybetween said cup and said cover member, and a hollow housing supporting said transparent enclosure.

8. In a display unit for goods, the combination of a transparent cup member for containingthe goods, a cover member for closing said cup member, sealing means for said cover and cup mem` bersrto hermetically sealthe goodstherein, and a housing for supporting said' Vcup and cover members together with the goods.`

9. In a display unit for goods, the combination Yof a cup'member constructed of transparentmaterialand provided with open and closed ends together with a side wall having an inside surface extending inwardly and downwardly toward saidclosed end, said cuprmember being adapted to contain the goods for display, a cover mem-V ber for closing the open end of said cup `mem` ber, sealing means secured between said cup and said cover members to hermetically seal the'goods therein, and a housing supporting said cup and cover members together with the goods.

10. In a display unit for goods, the combination of a pair of tubular members secured one' within the other, the inner of said tubular members having a lesser length than the other :of said tubular members to form shouldered recesses in'each end of the outer of said tubular members, a transparent cup m-emberrfor containing the goods and secured in one of saidshouldered recesses, and a closure member secured in thev other of said shouldered recesses.

ll. In a display unit for goods, the combination Vof a hollow housing, a closure means for one end of said housing and provided with a transparent wall portion, said closure means Vproviding an air tight chamber for Ycontaining the goods, means applied to said goods to preserve its color and appearance when viewed through said transparent Wall portion, a second closure means for the other end of said hollow housing, and counterbalancing means supported on said second closure means and extending within said hollow housing.

12. In a display unit for goods, the combination of a hollow housing, closure means for one end of said housing and provided with a transparent wall portion, said closure means providing an air tight chamber for containing the goods, a second closure means for the other end of said hollow housing, a box supported on said second closure means, and a mass of material in said box to provide a counterbalancing weight for the display unit.

13. In a display unit for goods, the vcombination of a housing, a closure means for one end of said housing and provided with a transparent wall portion, said closure means providing an air tight chamber for containing the goods to be displayed, and a covering material secured to and enclosing said housing, said covering material being further secured to said closure means, said covering material extending across the end edge surfaces of said housing, said covering material extending for a portion only of the length of the side Walls of said closure means having said transparent wall portion.

14. In a display unit for goods, the combination of a housing, a cup member closing a side of said housing and provided with a transparent wall portion, said cup member containing the goods to be displayed, a closure member for said cup member, and sealing means for said closure and said cup members, said sealing means comprising a layer of putty material, a second layer of putty material to protect said first mentioned layer of putty material, and a third layer of sealing material to protect said rst mentioned and said second layer of putty materials.

15. In a display unit for goods, the combination of a housing, a closure means for one side of said housing and provided with a transparent wall portion, said closure means containing the goods to be displayed, a color freshening and preservative agent contained in said closure means and impregnating the goods to be displayed, said color freshening and preserving agent rendering said goods more readily observed through said transparent Wall portion of said closure means, and means for hermetically sealing the goods together with the color freshening agent in said closure means.

16. In a display unit for goods, the combination of a cup member having transparent side walls together with a transparent end wall, a cover member within said cup member, said cup and said cover members forming a chamber for containing said goods, sealing means secured between said cup and said cover members to hermetically seal said goods in said chamber, a preservative agent in said chamber for said goods, and means engaging said cup member for closing the open end of said cup member, said last mentioned means permitting edge surfaces of said goods to be displayed through said transparent side walls of said cup member.

1'7. In a display unit for a relatively thin slice of meat, cheese or similar goods, the combination of a cup member having transparent side Walls together with a transparent end wall, means for sealing said relatively thin slice of meat, cheese or similar goods in said cup member, a preservative agent within said cup member, and a second means engaging said cup member and enclosing said sealing means, said second means permitting portions of said transparent side walls of said cup member to remain exposed to render edge surfaces of said relatively thin slice of meat, cheese, or similar goods readily observable through said transparent side walls of said cup member.

18. In a display unit for a relatively thin slice of meat, cheese or similar goods, the'combination of a member having transparent end and side walls, a preservative agent in said member and means for enclosing said relatively thin slice of meat, cheese or similar goods together with said preservative agent within said member to render the edge surfaces together with one side surface of said relatively thin slice of meat, cheese or similar goods readily observable through said member.

19. In a display unit for a relatively thin slice of meat, cheese or similar goods, the combination of a transparent member, a preservative in said transparent member, and means for enclosing said relatively thin slice of meat, cheese or similar goods together with said preservative agent within said transparent member so that both side and edge surfaces of said relatively thin slice of meat, cheese or similar goods will be readily observable through said transparent member.

20. In a display unit for a relatively thin slice of meat, cheese or similar goods, the combination of a cup member having transparent side and end walls, said cup member being provided with an open side, said cup member containing said relatively thin slice of meat, cheese or similar goods, a closure member inserted within said open side of said cup member to engage said relatively thin slice of meat, cheese or similar goods, sealing material secured between the outer surface of said closure member and the inside surfaces of said side walls of said cup member, and a second closure means for the open side of said cup member, said second closure means engaging suflicient portions only of said cup member to permit edge surfaces of said relatively thin slice of meat, cheese or similar goods to be observable through said cup member.

21. In a display unit for goods, the combination of a housing, a container for the goods and closing one end or said housing, said container having a transparent wall portion to render said goods observable therethrough, a container supported at the other end of said housing, and a mass of material in said container to provide a counterbalancing weight for said display unit.

22. In a display unit for goods, the combination of a housing, a cup member provided with a transparent wall portion and closing one end of said housing, said cup member containing said goods, a closure member for said cup member, a preservative agent contained within said cup member, sealing means for said cup and said closure members, and a layer of material protecting said sealing means.

WERNER SCHLAEPFER. 

